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Refrigerator Replacement in AZ

Yahoo Message Number: 84836
Our 7 year old Norcold 1200L RIM has started to lose it's ability to keep the refrigerator portion chilled. We have been running on 9 for about 4 weeks and we seldom get below 40 degrees. We have been in weather that is ranging from 45 to 65 degrees F. The seals are tight. Is it safe to assume the unit is failing?
We do some boon-docking so we aren't looking to convert to a residential model. Is the Pines RV unit the best replacement today? Any recommendations for a repair specialist in Phoenix or Tucson?

Jim Coshow

2005 Inspire 51501

Re: Refrigerator Replacement in AZ

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84837
A residential energy star refrigerator doesn't use much more power than the 12 volt Norcold controller. You may want to do some more research before you write off the res refer.

Bob Wexler
SOB

Re: Refrigerator Replacement in AZ

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84842
Chris Snyder in Tucson is providing the service. He's doing mine this Spring. He tells me it takes about 5 hours to replace the cooling package and up date the controller etc. 520-665-1014 is is contact number.
TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731

Re: Refrigerator Replacement in AZ

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84845
Jim - If I were you, I'd unplug the Norcold immediately and consider your options. I went with a replacement GACU for a variety of reasons.
Some thoughts below:

The Amish community doesn't have AC power in their homes. So they've been using GACUs for decades. The difference between those used in Amish homes and RVs are the cartridge heater pockets. The point being is they have a lot of experience with GACUs. They also stand behind what they make. It's a small business mentality that stays in touch with their customers. Should you have problems they will take care of it. I speak from personal experience as a customer.
The GACU you want is Dutch Aire made by JC Refrigeration. You can get this product from Pines RV Refrigeration. I've installed two of these myself and I can say you need to find someone that knows the drill, is careful and pays attention to important details. Not all "experts" are created equally. On a 7 year old Norcold, you'll have other issues that will need to be dealt with. Read my blog article for more details and pictures.

A residential frig is also an option. For me, the cabinet modifications, loss of warranty, a possible $4k price tag, loss of wooden door panels, loss of drawer space and a variety of other issues steered us away from this option. You can save your drawers but that may place the frig higher than you might like. Dealing and prioritizing the trade-offs are personal choices that should be carefully evaluated. Go with what works in your situation and creates the most comfort.
For me, I'm not able to install a residential frig. That means I've got to hire out the work. I could, however, do the repair work on the Norcold. Not a job I enjoyed but we got through it fine. It worked out to be around a $1.3K hit on the wallet. I just couldn't justify throwing out a $3.8K frig. Good luck.

Re: Refrigerator Replacement in AZ

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84846
We had ours done by Chris this Fall as well as my sister's unit in their Newmar. Chris did an excellent job and both units were replaced in the same day. We've been very pleased with the new Pines unit and the cooling is excellent. It does "cycle" more than the old Norcold, but Chris told this to us in advance. Very pleased,

Roger Harper
2006 Intrigue
#11990

Re: Refrigerator Replacement in AZ

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84850
Thanks Scott, Do you have contact information for JC Refrigeration? I can't find anything for them.

Jim

Re: Refrigerator Replacement in AZ

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84852
Jim - I don't think they work directly with customers. You'll need to contact David Force at Pines RV Refrigeration. He can assist you with procurement and any questions you may have. Good luck.
 

Re: Refrigerator Replacement in AZ

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84873
JC Refrigeration (JCR) does indeed work directly with the public. Here's how it works:
There are two ways to go. Purchase directly from JCR, or from Pines RV Refrigeration (PRR), who is the distributor for JCR. JCR is a family owned business in Shipshewanna, IN where the cooling units are manufactured and if you choose, installed. You can also have PRR ship the unit to your installer of choice.
I purchased my cooling unit from PRR, and chose the option for Factory Install. This had four advantages: Pines RV accepts credit cards, JC does not; I avoided shipping charges; I had the unit installed by JC and his son in law - I figured if you make them, you know them; Pines RV extends the warranty on the unit by one year over JCR.
In my opinion there is no reason to purchase directly from JCR. They did however do a great job with the installation.

JC Refrigeration
6945 W 200 N

Shipshewanna, IN 46565
(260) 768-4067

JC has no website or email - HE'S AMISH!

Phil Webb, '06 Inspire #51836